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Lauren Drain Kagan Shows Off Shredded Abs and Reveals Her Hip Exercises

Here is everything you need to know about her diet and exercise habits.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Lauren Drain Kagan is heating up social media with her shredded abs! In a new social media post, the fitness influencer and trainer, who boasts over 3.8 million followers on Instagram, flaunts her amazing figure. “Uruguay was a dreammmmm 🇺🇾 Who’s ready to work on their summer bod already?” she captioned the post. She also shared a video revealing one of the exercises responsible for her fantastic figure. Here is the exercise – and everything you need to know about her approach to diet and exercise.


Exercising for Mental Health

Lauren, who famously escaped the Westboro Bible Baptist Church after growing up in it, is open about her experiences and claims that exercise helped heal her. “It was very therapeutic,” she told Fox News. “There were times in my life where I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. For me, it was an amazing outlet. … I got my confidence from fitness and it’s really empowering. … As a nurse, I saw people at the bedside needing heart transplants, open-heart surgery. I really wanted to get on the preventative side of health care. And I just love empowering others.”

Quick Body Transformation

Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit3laurendrainfit/Instagram

Lauren first transformed her body in 2014 over a 14-week period. She takes a get-fit-fast approach. “I signed up for my first WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) show and trained my ass off - literally. Remember, competition prep is not the same as normal training. I was able to cut through all my excess fat, which revealed the muscle definition I had underneath. I went from 135+ lbs to about 122 lbs,” she says on her website. “Since then, I've worked to build more muscle mass in all the ‘right’ places, becoming stronger, healthier, and happier in the process. The booty and legs you see now are not genetic blessings or surgical projects, they’re the product of hard work. I see girls on social media time and time again calling themselves fitness models, fit chicks, etc… when in reality, most of them were blessed at birth when they won the genetic lottery.”

RELATED:4 Foods That Secretly Are Adding HUNDREDS More Calories Than You Think

80/20 Eating Plan

Lauren eats healthy most of the time, abiding by the 80/20 diet plan. “I don't diet - I live an 80/20 lifestyle. Healthy eating 80% of the time and indulge in more fun foods the other 20%. I eat 4-5 meals a day anywhere from 1600-2400 cal depending on my training levels & body goals. Starvation & crash diets are not a solution,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Hiking

Hikers,Walking,Mountains, outdoors, outside, rural, walking, exerciseShutterstock

Lauren is an avid hiker. “Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between,” says the National Parks Service.

RELATED:I Lost 40 Pounds, and Here Is Everything I Ate in Day

Hip Thrusters

In her Instagram video, Lauren shows off some serious strength, doing 315-pound hip thrusters a total of three times. The move is great for your core and your upper legs.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you eat healthy 80 percent of the time and allow yourself a little bit of cheating, you can lose weight without depriving yourself.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Lauren Drain Kagan is heating up social media with her shredded abs! In a new social media post, the fitness influencer and trainer, who boasts over 3.8 million followers on Instagram, flaunts her amazing figure. “Uruguay was a dreammmmm 🇺🇾 Who’s ready to work on their summer bod already?” she captioned the post. She also shared a video revealing one of the exercises responsible for her fantastic figure. Here is the exercise – and everything you need to know about her approach to diet and exercise.


Exercising for Mental Health

Lauren, who famously escaped the Westboro Bible Baptist Church after growing up in it, is open about her experiences and claims that exercise helped heal her. “It was very therapeutic,” she told Fox News. “There were times in my life where I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. For me, it was an amazing outlet. … I got my confidence from fitness and it’s really empowering. … As a nurse, I saw people at the bedside needing heart transplants, open-heart surgery. I really wanted to get on the preventative side of health care. And I just love empowering others.”

Quick Body Transformation

Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit3laurendrainfit/Instagram

Lauren first transformed her body in 2014 over a 14-week period. She takes a get-fit-fast approach. “I signed up for my first WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) show and trained my ass off - literally. Remember, competition prep is not the same as normal training. I was able to cut through all my excess fat, which revealed the muscle definition I had underneath. I went from 135+ lbs to about 122 lbs,” she says on her website. “Since then, I've worked to build more muscle mass in all the ‘right’ places, becoming stronger, healthier, and happier in the process. The booty and legs you see now are not genetic blessings or surgical projects, they’re the product of hard work. I see girls on social media time and time again calling themselves fitness models, fit chicks, etc… when in reality, most of them were blessed at birth when they won the genetic lottery.”

RELATED:4 Foods That Secretly Are Adding HUNDREDS More Calories Than You Think

80/20 Eating Plan

Lauren eats healthy most of the time, abiding by the 80/20 diet plan. “I don't diet - I live an 80/20 lifestyle. Healthy eating 80% of the time and indulge in more fun foods the other 20%. I eat 4-5 meals a day anywhere from 1600-2400 cal depending on my training levels & body goals. Starvation & crash diets are not a solution,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Hiking

Hikers,Walking,Mountains, outdoors, outside, rural, walking, exerciseShutterstock

Lauren is an avid hiker. “Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between,” says the National Parks Service.

RELATED:I Lost 40 Pounds, and Here Is Everything I Ate in Day

Hip Thrusters

In her Instagram video, Lauren shows off some serious strength, doing 315-pound hip thrusters a total of three times. The move is great for your core and your upper legs.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you eat healthy 80 percent of the time and allow yourself a little bit of cheating, you can lose weight without depriving yourself.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want a six-pack but feel like you are too old? According to one expert, you can achieve a perfect midsection at any age. Adelina Jordan is a 52-year-old fitness trainer and coach whose mission is “proving age is just a number,” according to her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals the handful of exercises that are responsible for her six-pack abs and the healthy habits that enable her to achieve them. “Six-pack abs in your fifties? Totally possible with the right plan. Here’s what worked for me,” she writes in the post.


She Trains Abs 2 to 3 Times a Week

“I train Abs like any other muscle,” she writes. She reveals that she reserves two to three days a week to do ab work. “Remember … it takes consistency with workouts and nutrition and lots of time & patience,” she writes.

RELATED: Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Here Are the Exercises She Does

“Here is an example of the workout I do to maintain my 6-pack abs in my 50s,” she continues, revealing the five exercise sets.

  • SL crunches
  • weighted sit-ups
  • Russian twist
  • weighted toe taps
  • double crunch.

She Also Pays Attention to Her Diet

She then goes on to discuss key tips to remember for 6-pack abs, starting with diet. “Dial in your nutrition,” she writes. “Protein-packed meals, a slight calorie deficit, and staying consistent.” According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

RELATED: Woman Lost 11 Pounds in 90 Days With These 5 Simple Rules

And, She Lifts Weights

Next, she recommends weight lifting. “Strength training is a must,” she says. “Focus on compound lifts that engage your core and help burn fat.” According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

She Uses Resistance

Another important tactic? “Train your abs with resistance,” she suggests, “Adding light weights, cables, or bands takes your core training to the next level—think strength and definition.”

She Does Cardio

Don’t forget to do cardio. “Steady-state cardio after lifting works wonders for revealing your hard-earned progress,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 15 Pounds in Her 40s After Fixing These 3 Mistakes

And, She Is Patient

Lastly, six-pack abs don't happen overnight. “Patience is key: Progress takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it! If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make it happen!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Lisa Jean Lanceford is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares her workouts on social media and via the STRNG app. In one of her recent Instagram posts, she shared the exercises that are responsible for her 6-pack abs. “Sheeeeesh this one burns 🔥 Let’s get this ABS workout done,” she wrote in the captioned. Here is everything you need to know about her workout plus the other lifestyle habits that help keep her in shape.


Here Is Her Ab Workout

In the video, she demonstrates the following exercises:

  • Kneeling cable crunch

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Roman chair oblique knee raises

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Alternating knee tuck double crunch

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Cross crawls

    20-24 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Low to high cable woodchips

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets each side

Intuitive Eating

Lisa promotes “intuitive eating,” explaining the principles in an Instagram post.

“Your relationship with food plays a key role in your overall fitness journey. Whilst it’s good to have a sufficient understanding of your diet and nutrition, striving for the ‘perfect’ diet may lead to controlling or disordered eating habits. If you have eaten a cheeseburger, you do not have to feel guilty, skip your next meal or ‘burn it off.’ Instead, focus on the positives. You received a great source of iron, protein, carbs, calcium and you probably rather enjoyed it. You do not need to use exercise to negate eating but rather consume food for enjoyment, nourishment and to fuel workouts and recovery,” she says.

Related: 10 High Fiber Foods to Keep You Full in a Day, According to Dietitian

Here Is How She “Builds” Healthy Meals

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford2lisafiitt/Instagram

In another post, she explains “how to build a healthy and balanced meal,” starting with a “good quality protein sources such as lean meat, a soya-based product such as tofu or tempeh, dairy or lentils, beans and edamame beans,” she says. Next up, starchy carbohydrates, which “should make up just over a 1/3 of the food you eat,” she explains.

“They are essential for energy and nutrients, therefore you should aim to include some at every meal. Low GI carbohydrates slowly release energy and are higher in fibre which means they will keep you fuller for longer. Some low GI options include potatoes with skin on, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oats, and buckwheat.”

Then, fill your plate “with a rainbow of non- starchy vegetables and dark leafy greens. Examples include broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, cucumber, courgette, onion, aubergine, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes and so on. Also be sure to include some fruit throughout the day as snacks or added to breakfast, etc,” she adds. Finally, “Pick a small amount of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds.”

No Diets

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford1lisafiitt/Instagram

Lisa doesn’t like to label her eating plan. “I don’t like to call it a diet as it’s my lifestyle and not a diet. My nutrition has stayed the same, except some days I am increasing my calories as I am working out more, so I need to make sure I am fuelling my body right. I am doing LIVE Instagram workouts with my followers and challenging myself with new HIIT workouts alongside weight training (working with what I have) and my morning walks,” she told Women Fitness.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds and Here’s Everything I Learned Along My Journey

Walking in the Morning

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

While she spends a lot of time in the gym, Lisa starts her day with steps. “I do a 1 hour walk every morning. It helps with my mindset for the day and I think about everything I am grateful for. It’s so calm, quiet and peaceful and it gets my mind going for the day. Always practice gratitude and always appreciate the little things in life,” she added to Women Fitness.

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, crunches, and sit-ups aren’t the best exercises to build abs. Try doing a set like Lisa’s, which works all the muscles in your midsection, including obliques, and will get you the best results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Krissy Cela is making a case for weightlifting – showing off her tiny waist. In a new social media post the fitness influencer and co-founder of EvolveYou draws attention to her chiseled midsection and reveals the workout responsible for it. “I understand fitness trends come and go… I get you’ve been told by many people on viral videos to stop lifting heavy because it’s not feminine and maybe you’ve even been told the gym isn’t a fashion show,” she writes. “Hate to break it to you but if you want longevity in your health lifting weights is important, sure it gives you muscles but it’s beneficial for your overall health! And not to mention what it does for your mind.” Her followers went wild. “Yes, preach it girl! Break those stereotypes. Because who says lifting can't be both empowering and fashionable, right? 🔥” commented fellow fitness influencer Alexia Clark. “You look so damn good🔥🔥🔥” added Victoria Loza. What is the exact workout responsible for Krissy’s amazing body and what other health habits keep her fit? Here is everything you need to know.


This Is Her Workout

Here is her strength training workout:

✅ bent over rows

✅ single arm rows

✅ Latt pull down

✅ closed grip pull down

✅ flies (didn’t record forgot)

✅ curls for the girls

Early Riser

Krissy_Cela3krissycela/Instagram

Krissy is an early riserI tend to wake up at around half five or six. The reason I wake up so early, it sounds ridiculous, but it helps me do everything I need to do for myself before I can give myself to everybody else. I have this concept where it's all fair and well doing things for the people we love, but if we're not taking some time out for ourselves, to check in or be productive, we'll constantly feel bottom of the list. So I wake up, half five or six o'clock,” she told Closer.

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds By Eating These 8 Foods

Coffee, Preworkout, Supplements

Closeup image of man and woman clinking white coffee mugs in cafeShutterstock

“The first thing I do is brush my teeth and get ready for the gym. Don't think twice, I just put my workout gear on,” Krissy says about her morning routine. “Then I'll drink my coffee or have my pre-workout.” She “loves” the pre-workout drink, “because I'm a caffeine addict,” she confesses. Probiotic pills help her digestion and hormones. “I have also started using collagen in my coffee now, it really helps me kickstart my day,” she adds.

Moving Her Body

Krissy_Cela4krissycela/Instagram

“Firstly, moving my body is a big big thing. I have to always move my body,” Krissy revealed. “I'm either working out in my little home gym or I am going to the gym and I'll train for one hour, tops.”

Protein Shakes

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

“So for me, every single day I have protein shakes, it's just convenient. It's a great way for me to up my protein intake, but it's something I don't rely on. Food is key. Protein shakes are a step up from what you already have, so if you don't have a healthy diet or consistent training routine, then you can't expect it to do what it's supposed to do,” she adds to Closer.

Related: Tone Your Body in Less Than 20 Minutes With This Beginner Routine

Her Body Changes

Krissy recently shared side-by-sider of her “leaner” body in May 2023 and now, revealing she is “SO much happier now” even though she weighs more. “I’m learning more and more that when you might not be as consistent with your journey or when you’ve taken a break it does NOT mean you have ‘fallen off’ or that you need to ‘get back on track’ I used to think this way all the time and now I realise I’ve always been on track, it’s just my track is taking me on a new journey that’s all,” she continues in the post. “I still love moving, I love lifting, I love cooking meals and eating well. I may not have as viable abs or be as lean but I’m soooo much happier, have so much more longevity and honestly I just feel good. Not to mention what my body has been through to even stand strong today. So here is your reminder that during your journey your body will fluctuate, your routine will change and your body will look different so embrace it, keep moving, keep showing up and just take your time with it all! No rush it’s about doing this thing called fitness forever not a quick fix. Just enjoy life and I promise you visible abs does not always equal health and happiness.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Strength and weight training will not make you “big” if you do the right exercises and fuel your body with lean and healthy food.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you desperate to blast your belly fat? It may not be as hard as you think. Gina is a weight loss warrior who lost 50 pounds and got in the best shape of her life in the healthiest way possible. In a new social media post, she reveals one standing ab move that helped her achieve her enviable abs and lose belly fat after having seven kids. “You could run for 10 minutes on a treadmill and not even burn off a stick of string cheese, or you could do these instead to build muscle and burn fat,” she writes across the video, going on to reveal the one exercise that helped her lose 50 pounds and flatten her pooch.


Gina Knows the Belly “Hang” Well After 7 Kids

Close-Up Of Pregnant Woman Holding Her Belly, Sitting On Yoga Mat. Cropped image, panorama.Shutterstock

“As a c-section mother and mother of 7- I know the hang. After losing 50 pounds, I know it takes much more than some random crunches. I have found that standing core exercises help so much to tighten and strengthen that area,” she says in the post.

She Has a Hack for the “Fatty Upper Pubic Area”

Flat,Belly,Expecting,Baby,pregnant,diet,healthShutterstock

She goes on to reveal an acronym, FUPA. “FUPA stands for ‘fatty upper pubic area’ and refers to the accumulation of fat around the mons pubis, or pubic bone,” she says. And it’s not just women who experience it — so do men!

RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

She Tightened Hers with This Move

Portrait of fit young woman with kettlebell weights in the park. Fitness woman training with weights in park.Shutterstock

“Although we can’t target fat loss in a specific area of the body, we can definitely work on certain exercises that help us tighten and strengthen muscles in that area. This is one example of what I have done with my journey, and after 7 kids and c-sections, I have found that this area has become increasingly tighter since incorporating overhead weights with movement such as you see,” she says.

It Works for Men Too

Athlete,Exercise, Kettleball,Kettlebell,gymShutterstock

And “for the men,” she maintains that the same exercise works. “My husband started doing these with me to strengthen his core with higher weight and reps! Let me know if you try it!”

FUPA Pooch Exercise for Women

,Working,Out,Gym,Weights,dumbbellsShutterstock

In the video, she demonstrates the pooch-busting move. “Try to do this for 60 seconds with 10-15 pounds. Rest for 60 seconds and do it again until you hit three reps.”

RELATED: Woman Lost 25 Pounds on Mounjaro Without Exercise and Shares 8 Key Tips

Men Lower Ab Strengthening

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

She also offers a version for men. Try to do this for 60 seconds with 20-25 pounds. Rest for 30 seconds and continue until you do 5 reps.

She Also Walks with a Weighted Vest

Buffalo, Minnesota, USA - May 20, 2017 Murph Challenge 2017, Happy athletic girl coming back from 1 mile run and flexing her bicepsShutterstock

Another hack that helped her lose weight fast? Wearing a weighted vest and walking. Her routine? She wrote in another post that “daily/nightly walks” and a “minimum” of 3 miles a day “with it on at least 5 times a week” is what she did. “You can achieve this with sidewalk walking, road walking, or walking on a treadmill/walking pad. I have since tapered back on my weighted vest walking- and walk weighted only once a week because the goal isn’t weight loss but now muscle definition. Weighted walks are super beneficial. I bought the 40-pound with shoulder pads, removed all but ten pounds, and worked my way up. The one I walk with now is a 60 lbs vest,”

And Makes Sure to Eat Enough Food

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesShutterstock

She also explains that many people believe that undereating will help them lose weight. But that’s not true. “You are (probably) not eating enough, and it has your metabolism way out of wack and your body holding onto fat way more than you’d like,” she writes. “I was at my absolute heaviest when I was eating the absolutely least amount of food after giving birth for the 7th time in 12 years,” she says. Now, she fuels her body with healthy foods so that she can exercise more.

RELATED: 8 Core Stability Moves a Mobility Expert Uses to Prevent Back Pain

Her Approach Works

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbellsShutterstock

“The skinny twig supermodel body that most girls wanted as young children has turned into an entire era of women becoming stronger, leaner, healthier and living a more fit and achievable lifestyle by filling their bodies with nutritious foods because they are not afraid to fuel their tank. Women who know that they will not get bulky by lifting weights,” she continues. “Last summer, I weighed almost 180 pounds until I got up and did something about it, and now I am empowering others to get up and do the same. I got you! You won’t find BS or kale here.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Katie Dunlop Love Sweat Fitness
Copyright lovesweatfitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Standing in your kitchen, staring at all those meal prep containers, you might feel overwhelmed. The tiny portions, the time commitment, the expense – it can all seem like too much. Katie Dunlop once felt the same way, until she discovered a system that changed everything.

"When I first started my 45-pound weight loss journey, I felt like meal prepping was so unrealistic," Katie shares. "But I realized I was missing out because it makes it so much easier to stay on track with your goals." Now a certified personal trainer, Katie has maintained her weight loss by developing an efficient meal prep system that delivers 100 grams of protein daily while keeping preparation time under an hour.

A Simple Approach to Meal Prep Success

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that eating healthy or eating to lose weight has to be really restrictive," Katie explains. Her approach proves otherwise – preparing four protein-packed meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack, in just 56 minutes.

Essential Tools for Quick Prep

Before starting your meal prep journey, Katie recommends having these basics:

  • Portion-controlled containers (bento boxes or glass containers)
  • Mason jars for dressings and overnight oats
  • A dedicated sheet pan for cooking meat
  • Basic mixing bowls
  • Air fryer and Instant Pot (optional but time-saving).

Meal 1: High-Protein Breakfast Tacos

"These breakfast tacos alone give you 20 grams of protein, which is absolutely amazing for starting your day," Katie notes. Her recipe combines eggs and egg whites for balanced protein and healthy fats. "We're going to do eggs and egg whites, and this is gonna really help balance out so you're not getting too much fat per serving," she explains. She adds turkey sausage and sneaks in spinach for extra nutrients. The tacos can be made with either grain-free or corn tortillas, depending on your preferences. "You can obviously do anything with this, but it's just kind of the easiest way to make a bunch all at once," Katie shares.

Meal 2: Protein-Packed Loaded Caesar Salad

Katie's reinvented Caesar salad starts with perfectly cooked chicken breast. Her secret? "Non-fat Greek yogurt, which is super high in protein. It's going to help lock in a bunch of the moisture for our meal prep chicken," she reveals. The chicken is seasoned with an Italian blend and extra garlic, then baked at 450°F for about 20 minutes. For the dressing, Katie creates a protein-rich alternative: "This is truly the simplest caesar-style dressing you could make without all the fats, but still tasting rich and creamy." The dressing combines Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. She adds chickpeas for additional protein and carrots for crunch instead of traditional croutons.

Meal 3: Quick High-Protein Stir-Fry

The dinner prep focuses on a flavorful ground beef stir-fry. "I'm using 85/15 lean ground beef, so I don't really need to add any oils because it's going to have them in there naturally," Katie explains. Her homemade sauce combines coconut oil, amino acids (or coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, and sriracha. "I avoid buying teriyaki sauce because they're loaded with sugars," she notes. The rice is cooked in bone broth instead of water: "It's those little sneaky ways you can get in more protein. It's going to add a little bit of calories, but honestly who cares - you're getting good healthy protein, all the nutrients and minerals."

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Meal 4: Chocolate Chunk Overnight Oats

"What I like about doing overnight oats is you can make it hot or cold," Katie shares. Her protein-rich snack combines oats with chocolate protein powder and almond milk. "You could do chia seeds as well if you'd prefer those," she suggests. For added flavor and nutrients, she tops each portion with banana and peanut butter. "These are actually like a really good size and you're still gonna get a decent amount of protein in them," she explains. The recipe provides about 20 grams of protein per serving.

Time-Saving Strategies

Katie's efficient approach includes:

  • Starting with the longest-cooking items first
  • Using multiple cooking methods simultaneously
  • Preparing sauces while other items cook
  • Immediate portioning into containers.

Storage Tips for Success

"I like dressing them later, not ahead of time," Katie advises about salads. She recommends storing dressings and sauces separately in small mason jars, adding them just before eating to maintain freshness. For the breakfast tacos, she recommends thinking of them like street tacos - smaller portions that are satisfying and protein-rich. With salads, she suggests: "You can go wild obviously with as much greens if you're like I need to pack it in." For the stir-fry, she recommends about a half cup of rice per container, adding the sauce just before eating.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Making Healthy Sustainable

Through her journey of losing 45 pounds and keeping it off, Katie has proven that meal prep doesn't have to be overwhelming. "Through my own weight loss journey, I lost 45 pounds, I've kept it off, I like transformed my life," she shares. Her system demonstrates that with the right approach, anyone can prepare a week of protein-rich, weight-loss-friendly meals in under an hour.

Ready to transform your meal prep routine? With these four protein-packed meals and smart prep strategies, you can prepare a full week of healthy eating in under 60 minutes, making weight loss both achievable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Dr Erik Richardson
Copyright Erik Richardson D.O./YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Standing in front of your mirror, wondering why the numbers on your scale won't budge? You're not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with weight loss despite their best efforts. "Most everybody struggles with losing weight. It's not a normal natural thing for our bodies, and sometimes we just struggle knowing where to start," says Dr. Erik Richardson, a board-certified family practice physician.

Ready to discover the biggest obstacles to your weight loss journey? Let's count down the top 10 foods you need to eliminate from your diet to see actual results.

10. High-Calorie Coffee Drinks

Your morning coffee run could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts. "A large mocha cookie crumble frappuccino packs 590 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 76 grams of sugar," Dr. Richardson reveals in his post. Stick to simple coffee preparations to save both calories and money.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

9. Pizza

A slice of hot Italian pizza with stretching cheese. Pizza four cheeses with basil.Shutterstock

"Pizza is just about the perfect combination of carbs and unhealthy fats," Dr. Richardson warns. Its blend of refined flour, processed meats, and high-calorie toppings makes it easy to overeat. Try cauliflower crust alternatives or make healthier versions at home.

8. Ice Cream

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While small portions can occasionally fit into a healthy diet, ice cream's high calorie and sugar content make it problematic. Dr. Richardson suggests, "Make your own ice cream using less sugar and more natural ingredients, and serve it in a smaller bowl to control portions."

7. Beer and Alcohol

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That "beer belly" isn't a myth. "Beer specifically is much like soda or other sugary drinks," Dr. Richardson explains. Its high carbohydrate content triggers insulin response and promotes weight gain. Consider limiting or eliminating alcohol while pursuing weight loss goals.

6. Pastries, Cookies, and Cakes

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These sweet temptations are filled with refined sugars, flours, and oils. "Because they're so high in sugars and low in nutrients, you're more likely to get hungry faster after eating them," Dr. Richardson notes. Many store-bought versions also contain harmful trans fats.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

5. Fruit Juice

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Don't let the "healthy" label fool you. Dr. Richardson cautions, "Even 100% juice can hold you back when trying to lose weight." Without the fiber from whole fruit, your body absorbs the sugars too quickly, leading to insulin spikes and potential weight gain.

4. Candy Bars

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These convenient treats are far from innocent. "There aren't many other foods that can pack in as many calories in a small package as you find in a candy bar," says Dr. Richardson. Their strategic placement at checkout counters makes them particularly dangerous for impulse purchases.

3. White Bread

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"White bread is essentially a chewable version of sugar drinks," Dr. Richardson explains. The processing strips away fiber and nutrients, leaving you with a product that rapidly converts to sugar in your body. Opt for whole grain alternatives and keep portions modest.

2. Sugary Drinks

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Consider this: "One can a day of non-diet soda can put on about 10 pounds in the average person in a year," warns Dr. Richardson. The problem? Your brain doesn't register liquid calories as food, making it easy to overconsume without feeling full.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

1. French Fries and Potato Chips

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"Nothing beats a fresh McDonald's french fry, but it wreaks havoc on your waistline," Dr. Richardson admits. These popular snacks are calorie bombs that quickly convert to sugar in your body. Research shows that potato chips may contribute more to weight gain per serving than any other food.

The Bottom Line

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These foods share common characteristics: they're highly processed, loaded with added sugars, refined flours, and unhealthy fats. Dr. Richardson emphasizes, "The closer you can get to a whole food diet, the better off you're going to do." While complete elimination isn't necessary, these items should rarely appear in your regular diet.Remember to read nutrition labels carefully and avoid foods with added sugars and fats. Your weight loss goals are achievable – sometimes it's just a matter of knowing what to avoid. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you not losing the kind of weight you thought you would on Ozempic or another weight loss drug? According to one expert, your GLP-1 could be backfiring. Aliza Olive, MD, co-founded Med Free Maintenance and is a GLP1 weight loss and taper-off nutrition expert. In a new social media post she reveals a few signs your weight loss drug is preventing you from losing weight. “As a physician and pro GLP-1 nutrition expert, there are the 8 red flags that your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism,” she writes.

Are You Hitting Plateaus?

“You thought Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro would make fat loss effortless… But now you’re hitting stubborn plateaus, feeling weak, or even losing hair. Sounds familiar?” she writes.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Metabolism Could Be “Stalling Out”

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“It’s like driving a fancy sports car but forgetting to fuel it properly—you look like you’re going fast, but under the hood, your metabolism is stalling out. If your metabolism slows down while on meds like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, losing fat gets harder, muscle loss creeps in, and plateaus become your new normal. But don’t panic—I’ve got you covered!” she says.

Hair Loss

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If you have been finding hair strands all over the place, it could be a sign that your metabolism is slowing down. “You’re losing hair,” is her first red flag.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Energy Loss

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Red sign number two? Are your feeling more sluggish than usual? “Your energy is constantly low,” is another sign.

Brain Fog

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Is your head feeling cloudy more often than not? Another sign your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism is “brain fog is worse than usual,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

No Hunger in the Morning

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Have you been waking up and not feeling like eating? “You’re not hungry at all in the mornings” is a red flag of your metabolism slowing down

Moody Behavior

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Are you experiencing unusual mood swings? “You’re moodier than normal,” is another red flag, per Dr. Olive.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Decreased Sex Drive

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Another unlikely red flag your GLP-1 is not working the way it should> “Your sex drive is MIA,” she says.

Sleep Disruptions

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Are you experiencing sleep issues and disturbances? It could be a sign, says Dr. Olive. “Your sleep is off,” is another red flag.

Weakness or Loss of Strength

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Her last red flag is if you are experiencing weakness. “You feel weak and like you’re losing strength,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

You Need to Course-Correct

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“These are signs your body isn’t thriving—and it’s time to course-correct,” she continues. “When your metabolism slows, your body naturally decreases movement (less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc.) to save energy. This makes fat loss harder and plateaus inevitable.”

Here’s How to Fix It

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“Eat enough! Skipping meals or eating too little can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism,” she says. “Get your protein in! Protein is the most filling macronutrient and helps preserve muscle. Strength train to build muscle and burn more calories at rest. Keep moving! Walking boosts calorie burn without making you hungrier.”

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

Listen to Your Body

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Bottom line? Listen to your body. “Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. Dull them, don’t erase them. This helps you build sustainable habits for long-term success,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.